Poverty rate is 17.1%, which is higher than I expected. The unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is about average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thoughts? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
1 upvotes
11 Replies
Hunter Lee
I've lived in Old Town for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- The job market scene is tough
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Liam J.
great question, following
17 upvotes
Sophia Garcia
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The pet-friendliness is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Paul W.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
minneapolis_wesley
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is underrated in most areas.
13 upvotes
Elijah W.
yep
9 upvotes
sacramento_weston
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely improving and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (West) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
7 upvotes
Hannah P.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
7 upvotes
Hudson H.
hard disagree but ok
3 upvotes
Carter Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 14 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Gabriel Allen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from New York about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
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